How to Get a Car Key Cut
It's expensive to replace your car keys, especially in the case of only one you have. Duplicate keys are the best way to avoid expensive replacements.
Having your car key cut at a car repair shop like AutoZone can save you money over the dealership. G28 Car Keys or hardware establishments offer key duplication or programming.
What is Key Cutting?
Everybody loses keys at one time, and when this happens, it can be an extremely stressful day, leaving you unable to gain access to your car or home. The majority of people prefer having spare keys cut rather than change their locks entirely. This process is faster and less expensive, as well as more efficient.
Key cutting is a process that involves replicating an original key on the blank key by using a special machine. This process is carried out to ensure that the new key is in line with the original in both form and function and makes it impossible for someone else to unlock your home using a fake.
A lot of hardware stores or big box stores have a key cutting kiosk where you can get a copy created by skilled workers in just a few minutes. These kiosks use an uncut key that is identical to your current key. They also can make copies of keys with more complex designs, like home security or car keys.
Contrary to traditional key cutting which uses mechanical tools, the latest technology in key duplication makes use of lasers to precisely duplicate the unique markings of the original key onto a blank key. This is referred to as key by photo, and it is changing the way key duplication services operate by drastically reducing the time and cost involved.
Modern electronic keys that control car lock systems, or security access points, have additional components which must be programmed correctly. These additional components, such as a transponder chip on vehicle keys, or a microchip embedded in some home security keys communicate with the system they're designed to fit into and require special equipment to duplicate correctly.
When you need a spare key, cutting is a simple and quick method to obtain one. However you should always seek advice from a professional. It is not advisable to choose any locksmith. Instead, select a reputable company with a team of professionals who have received a rigorous education in dealing with different locks and locking systems. It's also important to find locksmiths that offer emergency services, as they'll be able to assist in the event of an accident that causes a lockout.
Key Cutting Techniques
Key cutting can be used to create spare keys. This prevents damage to the original keys and decreases wear and wear and tear. A spare key can also be used to gain access to a house or car, or any other safe location if someone has locked themselves outside.
To duplicate a key, a professional could employ either the tracing method or punch method of duplication. The tracing method involves heating the edge of the key until it turns black, and then pressing it against the sticky surface of the piece of clear tape. This creates an imprint. This imprint can be used by a key cutter to make an exact copy of the original that is exactly the same size and shape.
A pattern grinder is another common method. It is used to grind the original key until it has a smooth surface at one end and grooves and notches removed from the other. This makes it easier to insert the key into locks. A key can also be cut using a punching machine that measures the depth of the notch. The machine forces an edge onto the key, cutting each notch to the desired depth. The machines can be manual or electric and can be programmed to work with different keys. This means that there is no need for a specialist.
A newer type of key cutting technique is being used in some locations, and is referred to as laser cutting. Instead of grinding keys down to the proper dimensions using a laser, it is used to remove the material from the sides of the key. This results in the keys looking similar to an asymmetrical blade which offers more protection against bump keys as well as other types of test keys.
A key cutting service is also able of creating replacement keys for electronic fobs. Key fobs with an embedded chip which communicates with the immobilizer systems of a vehicle or lock. However it isn't capable of creating replacements for more sophisticated smart keys, which require specialized programming usually reserved for dealerships or car manufacturers.
Key Cutting Equipment
If someone needs their keys cut, it is crucial to choose the right key cutting machine. There are a myriad of key cutting machines. A few factors that could influence a person's decision include the size and type of the key, if they want an automatic or electric machine, and how much they'd like to spend. The tool they select will also influence the quality of their work and how precise it is.
Most key cutting machines trace the outline of an existing key to create a new key. This can be done manually or using a manual machine. It could also be done using the laser or a code machine. These machines will typically need codes that tell the machine where to place the notches on the new key. The code can either be manually entered into the machine or downloaded from databases.
There are several machines which can cut mortice and cylinder locks. These are often called dual key cutters and can reduce the time a locksmith spends by allowing them to cut both types of locks on the same machine. They can be expensive, but they can also make it possible to offer a wider range of services to customers.
Another option is to purchase a kit that includes both the cutting machine and the tools required to operate it. These kits are typically cheaper than purchasing individual tools and can be an excellent investment for those who wants to start an enterprise that cuts keys.
The Futura Pro is an electronic key cutting machine designed to be user-friendly. The touchscreen that is removable allows users to access many keys and offers step-by-step instructions on how to duplicate and cut them. The machine also has an accessory tray that is built-in, as well as LED lights that indicate the status, according to Ilco. Futura Pro is able to cut and decode a variety of keys including dimples. It is also equipped with optional clamps for handling the flat household keys and Tibbe keys, as as Cruciform keys.
Key Cutting Costs
Modern keys for cars are more just a piece made of metal. They are equipped with a transponder chip which must be programmed for your car and require specialized cutting equipment. This means they are more expensive to replace if they get stolen or lost. It's always an excellent idea to have an extra key in case you can access it in the situation of an emergency lockout.
If you decide to have your car key cut, it's important to understand the difference between key cutting and duplication. Although they may appear similar, key cutting is creating a brand new key from scratch, while duplication is simply copying an existing one. Knowing the type of service you require will save your time and money in the long run.
Mechanical key duplication, a traditional method of making spare keys for cars, uses the key-cutting machine to trace original contours onto a blank key. This method is more affordable than others, but could be risky if the key isn't made correctly or the blank is of poor quality. If the key is not cut properly, it could cause damage to the lock and prevent the key from working.
Laser key cutting requires a key-cutting machine that is specially designed. These machines can cut laser grooves on both flat sides of the key, which allows them to be inserted into the lock cylinder facing either way, and still function. They are commonly referred to as sidewinder keys and are more effective in protecting against theft than standard keys. They are also more expensive due to the fact that they're more complicated and difficult to locate in hardware stores.
At AutoZone our associates will pick the appropriate key blank for your year, year of manufacture and model, and then utilize an exclusive cutting machine to duplicate your old car key. We offer a wide selection of transponder key options, so you are sure to find the one that is right for your vehicle. We can also help you connect it to your car in case you need to, at less than the price that you would spend at the dealership.